Inside Stateroom

These Inside Staterooms are the most affordable way to cruise. There's room for up to four guests and they include two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and of course, you'll have room service and many other amenities.

Mid-Ship Inside

Category IA, IB: With room for up to four guests, these Inside Staterooms come with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to accommodate two more. These staterooms are mid-ship, so you'll have easy access to everything on board.

Category IE: These Inside Staterooms are on lower decks and are mid-ship accommodations. You'll have easy access to everything on board, and room for up to four guests. Includes two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to accommodate two more.

Accommodates: 4

Total Approx. Size: 138 - 143 sq. ft.

Family Inside Stateroom

These Norwegian Jewel Inside Staterooms are the most affordable way for your family to cruise. With room for up to four guests, you'll have two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to accommodate two more. And of course, room service and many other amenities.

Obstructed Oceanview Stateroom

These Oceanview Staterooms sleep up to four guests and have either a picture window or porthole, with an obstructed view. Two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and pull down beds sleep two more.

Oceanview Porthole Window

Up to four guests can stay in these Oceanview Staterooms. Includes two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to accommodate two more, as well as a porthole to enjoy the view.

Accommodates: 4

Total Approx. Size: 155 - 161 sq. ft.

Mid-Ship Oceanview Porthole Window

Up to four guests can stay in these Oceanview Staterooms. Includes two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to accommodate two more, as well as a porthole to enjoy the view. These staterooms are mid-ship accommodations, which means you'll have easy access to everything on board.

Accommodates: 4

Total Approx. Size: 155 - 161 sq. ft.

Oceanview Picture Window

Category OA: These Oceanview Staterooms have enough room for up to three guests. Includes two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to accommodate one more guest. You'll also have an amazing view to enjoy from your big picture window, along with room service and many more amenities.

Accommodates: 4

Total Approx. Size: 155 - 161 sq. ft.

Category OC: These Oceanview Staterooms are lower deck accommodations and can sleep up to three guests. Includes two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to accommodate one more guest, in addition to the big picture window.

Accommodates: 3

Total Approx. Size: 155 - 161 sq. ft.

Mid-Ship Oceanview Picture Window

These Norwegian Jewel Oceanview Staterooms have enough room for up to three guests. Includes two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to accommodate one more guest. You'll also have an amazing view to enjoy from your big picture window, along with room service and many more amenities.

Family Oceanview Stateroom

You can comfortably fit up to four guests in these staterooms, making them perfect for families. You'll enjoy an amazing view from the big picture window. Two lower beds convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to sleep two more. Of course, you'll have room service and many other amenities.

Accommodates: 4

Total Approx. Size: 155 - 161 sq. ft.

Balcony Stateroom

These staterooms sleep up to four guests and come with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a convertible sofa pulls out to sleep two more. Also includes a sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony.

Family Balcony Stateroom

These staterooms are perfect if you want to bring the whole family. With room for up to four guests, there are two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and bedding to accommodate up to two more. Also includes a sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony.

Accommodates: 4 Approx. Size: 205 sq. ft.

Mid-Ship Balcony Stateroom

These Norwegian Jewel mid-ship staterooms sleep up to three guests and come with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a convertible sofa pulls out to sleep two more. Also includes a sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony with a great view. Because they are mid-ship, you'll have easy access to everything on board.

Accommodates: 3 Approx. Size: 205 sq. ft.

Mini-Suite with Balcony

Up to four guests can stay in these Mini-Suites that come with a sitting area, luxury bath with shower, two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to sleep two additional guests. Not to mention you'll have a private balcony to enjoy the incredible view.

Mid-Ship Mini-Suite

With room for up to four guests, you'll love these Mini-Suites. Includes two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed as well as a sitting area, luxury bath with shower, additional bedding to sleep two additional guests and a private balcony with a great view. Because it's a mid-ship suite, you'll have easy access to everything on board.

Accommodates: 4. Approx. size: 285 sq. ft

Aft-Facing Balcony Stateroom

You'll enjoy every inch of these staterooms, with enough space to sleep up to four guests. The two lower beds can be converted into a queen-size bed and the convertible sofa pulls out to sleep two more. You'll also have a sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony. Because these are aft-facing, the view from your balcony is amazing and truly unforgettable.

Accommodates: 3-4

Total Approx. Size: 205 sq. ft.

Aft-Facing Mini-Suite

These Mini-Suites sleep up to four guests, making them ideal if you want to bring the kids. They have two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed as well as a sitting area, luxury bath with shower and additional bedding to sleep two additional guests. Because they are aft-facing suites, the view from your private balcony is truly amazing.

Accommodates: 4 Approx. size: 285 sq. ft.

Penthouse with Large Balcony

These incredible Penthouses sleep up to four, with a bedroom with queen-size bed and luxury bath and shower. Also includes a living area, dining area and large private balcony that offers an amazing view. Includes butler and concierge service.

Accommodates: 2-4

Total Approx. Size: 341-578 sq. ft.

2-Bedroom Family Suite with Balcony

These Penthouses are perfect for your whole family. Up to six guests can stay in these luxurious Penthouses that include a bedroom with a queen-size bed and a separate children's bedroom. In addition to the living area, dining area, private balcony and luxury bath with separate shower. Includes butler and concierge service.

Accommodates: 6

Total Approx. Size: 546 sq. ft.

The Haven Courtyard Penthouse with Balcony

These Courtyard Penthouses make for an amazing cruising experience. Sleeps three, with a bedroom featuring a queen-size bed, luxury bath and shower and additional bedding to sleep one additional guest. Also features a living area, dining area, private balcony and access to the private courtyard area. Includes butler and concierge service.

Accommodates: 3

Total Approx. Size: 440 sq. ft.

The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony

Up to six guests can enjoy these Villas that are perfect if you want to bring the kids. They have one bedroom with a queen-size bed and a luxury bath and shower, as well as a separate children's bedroom. Also features a living area, dining area and private balcony. You will also have access to the private courtyard area. Includes butler and concierge service.

Accommodates: 2

Total Approx. Size: 791 - 824 sq. ft.

The Haven Owner's Suite with Large Balcony

These Norwegian Jewel Owner's Suites are a truly luxurious way for you to get away. Includes a separate bedroom with a king-size bed and luxury bath with separate shower, in addition to the living room, dining room and large private balconies with incredible views. Sleeps up to four and guests receive access to the private courtyard area. Includes butler and concierge service.

Accommodates: 2

Total Approx. Size: 791 - 824 sq. ft.

Guarantee Inside Stateroom - Category IX

Guarantee Obstructed Ocean view Cat. OX

Deck 4

Inside Stateroom - Category IF

Deck 9

Inside Stateroom - Category ID

Deck 10

Inside Stateroom - Category IC

Deck 5

Mid-Ship Inside Stateroom - Category IE

Deck 8

Mid-Ship Inside Stateroom - Category IB

Deck 10

Mid-Ship Inside Stateroom - Category IA

Deck 9

Family Inside Stateroom - Category I1

Guaranteed Balcony Stateroom Category BX

Deck 8

Obstructed Oceanview - Category OK

Deck 4

Oceanview Porthole - Category OG

Deck 4

Mid-Ship Oceanview Porthole- Category OF

Deck 5

Oceanview Stateroom- Category OC

Deck 8

Oceanview Stateroom- Category OA

Deck 5

Mid-Ship Oceanview Stateroom-Category OB

Guarantee Mini-Suite - Category MX

Deck 5

Family Oceanview Stateroom -Category O1

Deck 8

Balcony Stateroom- Category BD

Deck 9

Balcony Stateroom - Category BC

Deck 10

Balcony Stateroom - Category BB

Multiple Decks

Family Balcony Stateroom - Category B3

Multiple Decks

Family Balcony Stateroom - Category B2

Multiple Decks

Mid-Ship Balcony Stateroom- Category BA

Deck 11

Mini-Suite - Category MB

Deck 11

Mid-Ship Mini-Suite - Category MA

Multiple Decks

Aft-Facing Balcony Stateroom-Category B1

Deck 11

Aft-Facing Mini-Suite - Category M1

Multiple Decks

Penthouse with Balcony - Category SF

Multiple Decks

Penthouse with Balcony - Category SE

Deck 11

2-Bedroom Family Suite - Category SC

Deck 14

Courtyard Penthouse - Category H5

Deck 14

2-Bedroom Family Villa - Category H4

Multiple Decks

Owner's Suite - Category H3

Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated),
and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses).
Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies.
Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer.
Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.

Itinerary

Day 1

Sydney
Depart: Fri, Jan 3, 2020 @ 18:00

Day 2

At Sea

Sat, Jan 4, 2020

Day 3

At Sea

Sun, Jan 5, 2020

Day 4

Cruise Milford Sound

Arrive: Mon, Jan 6, 2020 @ 00:00

Depart: Mon, Jan 6, 2020 @ 00:00

Day 4

Cruise Dusky Sound

Arrive: Mon, Jan 6, 2020 @ 00:00

Depart: Mon, Jan 6, 2020 @ 00:00

Day 4

Cruise Doubtful Sound

Arrive: Mon, Jan 6, 2020 @ 00:00

Depart: Mon, Jan 6, 2020 @ 00:00

Day 5

Dunedin

Arrive: Tue, Jan 7, 2020 @ 09:00

Depart: Tue, Jan 7, 2020 @ 19:00

Day 6

Akaroa

Arrive: Wed, Jan 8, 2020 @ 08:00

Depart: Wed, Jan 8, 2020 @ 18:00

Day 7

Picton

Arrive: Thu, Jan 9, 2020 @ 08:00

Depart: Thu, Jan 9, 2020 @ 16:00

Day 8

Napier

Arrive: Fri, Jan 10, 2020 @ 08:00

Depart: Fri, Jan 10, 2020 @ 16:00

Day 9

Tauranga

Arrive: Sat, Jan 11, 2020 @ 09:15

Depart: Sat, Jan 11, 2020 @ 20:15

Day 10

Bay Of Islands

Arrive: Sun, Jan 12, 2020 @ 08:00

Depart: Sun, Jan 12, 2020 @ 18:00

Day 11

Auckland
Arrive: Mon, Jan 13, 2020 @ 06:00

Onboard experience

Every cruise fare includes beautifully crafted menus in the three main dining rooms, a help-yourself buffet and a variety of casual cafés, grills and on-the-go choices. From fresh-baked breads, desserts and pastries to chefs' original dishes made with the freshest ingredients, your dining can be as fine or fun as you want.

Dining aboard Norwegian is about having choices. Widen your palette further and choose from the specialty restaurants for a cover charge or á la carte. Whether it's a cheeseburger you have a desire for, or Coq au Vin, your dinner is ready when you are. And if you book a Specialty Dining Package, you can savor an array of the specialty restaurants for one special price.

La Cucina

Traditional, tasty and molto italiano. Enjoy pasta with a choice of savory sauces in a casual atmosphere. There are also crispy, fresh salads, pizza, authentic Italian desserts, a fine wine list and espresso drinks to top off the meal.

Moderno

If you're looking for a unique experience, our authentic Brazilian steakhouse is a must. Start with an impressive salad bar of imported cheeses, olives, cured meats, ceviche and specialty salads. Be sure to save room for the delicious skewers of slow-roasted meats including beef, pork, lamb and chicken – all carved tableside by our Pasadores.

Le Bistro French Restaurant

Le Bistro is an ode to all things French. From the art nouveau décor and artwork to the menu which is filled with modern classical and contemporary French gourmet fare.

Cagney's Steakhouse

Steak is the standard at our American-style steakhouse. Sip your favorite cocktail as you select from choice cuts of Certified Angus Beef® perfectly prepared. And don’t forget to order our famous truffle fries.

Teppanyaki Room

Flying shrimp. Onion volcanoes. Twirling knives. The sizzles and surprises never cease at our authentic Japanese Hibachi restaurant. Sit around a lively shared table as a skillful chef slices, chops and grills steak, seafood and chicken on a large steel grill right before your eyes. Our chilled, sake-infused Wasabi Cocktail will have you flipping too.

Sushi & Sake Bar

Chin Chin Asian Restaurant also has a Sushi and Sake Bar where you can enjoy the very best sushi and sake expertly prepared as you watch.

Carlo's Bake Shop

Enjoy delicious cannoli and cupcakes from Carlo’s Bake Shop by Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s Cake Boss and Next Great Baker, available in the Atrium Café & Bar.

Bars and Lounges

Atrium Cafe and Bar - Deck 7
For that double, vanilla, extra hot latte with extra foam, the Java Café is at your service with a wide variety of specialty coffees, teas, pastries and cookies.

Bliss Ultra Lounge - Deck 7
Offers late-night entertainment in a modern and upscale setting, with more intimate seating available.

The Pit Stop - Deck 12
Drawing inspiration from the 1950’s, The Pit Stop is an all-American bar retrofitted with vintage licence plates, gas station signage and other classic car elements of the era.

Magnum's Champagne & Wine Bar - Deck 6Some moments just call for champagne. And this is the place to enjoy it. Magnum's features a French Art Deco motif combined with elements that reflect the grand old cruise liner Normandie.

Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar - Deck 6Inspired by the lobby bar from the Mandarin Oriental in London, this contemporary full bar has low lounges and tables with the perfect hint of mood lighting.

Sake Bar - Deck 7
Full sake bar within Chin Chin Asian Restaurant.

Shakers Martini & Cocktail Bar - Deck 7How do you like your martini? Shaken, not stirred? Of course you do. James Bond silhouettes reflect from a screen behind the bar in this Art Deco inspired ode to the 1960's and 70's.

Spinnaker Lounge - Deck 13Horizontal windows in the floor allow you to look down on the bridge. At night, the atmosphere is charged when the music comes up and the stage becomes a dance floor.

Sugarcane Mojito Bar Freshly muddled just the way you like, enjoy a refreshing mojito with friends – day or night.

Topsiders Bar & Grill - Deck 12
Located poolside at the Sapphire Pool is Topsiders. This full bar is located in close proximity to ample deck space and hot tubs.

Entertainment

Stardust Theatre
An art nouveau style theatre set against the backdrop of the best of European Art Nouveau. A large art nouveau peacock adorns the main stage curtain and the colors of the peacock adorn the rest of the room.

Norwegian Jewel will feature two new shows – “Rock You Tonight,” and ship exclusive “Velvet,”

Game Shows
Held in Spinnakers or Fyzz Lounge partake in quizzes and a variety of game shows sure to entertain.

Jewel Club Casino
This could be your lucky night! Try your hand at Roulette, Blackjack, Craps and Let It Ride®.

Art Gallery
Stroll through Norwegian Jewel’s Art Gallery of original works for sale by a wide range of well-known artists.

The Library
You'll find a well-stocked selection of things to read with all the elegant trimmings a good library deserves including a stellar view.

Video Arcade
Stop by the video arcade and capture a few aliens, win a car race and fly a jet fighter. *Charges Apply

Internet Café No matter how far you are from home, staying in touch is easy at the Internet Café. *Charges Apply

Card Room
Here is one room where playing games is not just encouraged, it's expected. Find another couple and play bridge or test your skill with chess, checkers and Scrabble.

Kids Club

Splashdown Kid's Club
Get into the zone of fun because Splashdown Kid's Club is just for kids with a wall of windows for viewing, an indoor jungle gym/obstacle course and computer and artist craft area.

Club Underground
This is a cool place where teens can have fun, too. Designed to look and feel like the New York Subway, there's even graffiti on the walls.

Toddlers and Family Area
There is a small paddling pool and play area open to Families with young toddlers.

Spa

Mandara Spa - Deck 12
If being pampered is your idea of a vacation, the Mandara Spa is the place for you. This full service beauty salon and spa offers a wide range of spa treatments to rejuvenate your body and soul.

Spa Thermal Suite - Deck 12
The Thermal Suite offers a unique experience benefiting the mind and body. Feel the weightlessness and total relaxation created by the kneading effect of water in the Thalasso Therapy Pool, or soak in the hot tub with friends for some improved circulation with conversation. Head off to the steam room to soothe joints and alleviate pains. If detox is what you crave, sit down at the sauna to sweat out your cares as your heart and sweat glands work together to purify your body. Then relax and bring your body to temperature with a nap on heated mosaic lounge chairs.

Swimming

Hot Tubs
There are six hot tubs conveniently located. Try them all out or pick your favorite and make relaxing and unwinding a part of your daily regimen.

Sapphire Pools
The main pool on Jewel has a seemingly infinite number of sun beds and deck chairs to choose from. Topsiders Bar, the Sapphire Kid's Pool and a covered hot tubs are all on deck, nearby.

Sapphire Kid's Pool
The Sapphire Kid's Pool features slides and paddling pool. The Sapphire Pool and hot tub are also nearby.

Ship info

As the namesake of our "Jewel Class" cruise ships, you can bet she's got it all. As well as offering some of the largest suites at sea, there are staterooms to accommodate every style. When it comes to entertainment, this ship's filled with excitement: 16 dining options, 13 bars and nightclubs and that's just the beginning. Come aboard and venture into the wild on an Alaska Cruise. Go from scenic views to city views on a Pacific Coastal Cruise. Or travel to stunning beaches and picturesque cobble stone cities on a Mexican Rivera Cruise. Whichever destination you choose, get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Frequently asked questions

Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.

All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.

Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship’s entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.

The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.

One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the “kids club” facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children’s facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the “kids club” whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is “their space” aboard the ship.

NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.

The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.

There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.

The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship’s doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.

IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.

Terms and conditions for this cruise

Frequently Asked Questions

Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a “Shore Ex” desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what’s best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.

Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.

Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.

When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.

Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.

Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.

Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.

NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.

Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.

Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.

When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.

Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.

If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.

Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.

The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d’.

Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.

Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.

The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.

Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.

However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.

These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.